This family game night post is provided for the Melissa & Doug blog by Cindy Utzinger, pediatric Occupational Therapist. Over the Thanksgiving holiday while we had family in town, I was reminded of how much fun “family game night” can be. In fact, I asked my kids what their favorite thing about having their Mimi and Grandpa [...]

You know about Black Friday and Cyber Monday. So what is #GivingTuesday? It’s a day to remind you to GIVE a favor, a treat, a donation, or a special kindness to a charity, friend, neighbor, stranger — whoever you decide — to celebrate the spirit of GIVING. The idea is for everyone to share the [...]

This math-themed play post is provided for the Melissa & Doug blog by Cindy Utzinger, pediatric Occupational Therapist. Shut the box!! I’m not sure why, but I just love saying that. What’s more important, though, is that my 6 and 8-year-old LOVE playing it!!! In case you aren’t familiar with this game, let me tell you a little [...]

This STEM Play post was created by guest editor Carrie Anne Badov from EverythingMom.com. Encouraging the kids to get creative and delve into the world of imaginary play is an important part of childhood but the science and technology side of things is also key. I think that’s why I love the growth of the whole STEM Play movement. [...]

This early reading skills post is brought to us by our guest blogger Dayna at Lemon Lime Adventures. Many people know how important reading skills are for preschoolers and school age children. There have been many studies that point to the fact that children who are read to more frequently at home are more likely [...]

This creative way to sneak some learning into play is brought to you by Melissa & Doug, written by our Blog Ambassador Amy Mascott. We all love watching our little ones as they play, and there’s nothing parents enjoy more than watching siblings or friends enjoy time together, quarrel-free, their little imaginations running wild. But [...]

This post is brought to us by our guest blogger Dayna at Lemon Lime Adventures. Sight words are some of the most important parts of learning to read. Some might even say they are the building blocks to reading and writing. That’s why I’m excited to share some of our favorite ways to make learning [...]

This Summer Structure & Skills post is brought to you by our guest writer and special needs consultant Dr. Melissa Liguori, Ed. D. Although everyone breathes a big sigh of relief when the rigorous routine of school ends, we can’t forget about the importance of structure. All children, especially those with special needs thrive in a structured [...]

This tips for Getting Creative with Sidewalk Chalk are brought to us by guest editor Carrie Anne from EverythingMom.com. Just like crafts can keep the kids occupied on a rainy day, a bucket of colourful sidewalk chalk can keep the kids engaged outside on a nice day. We used our chalk to expand our creativity and [...]